Moyes will only let Beattie go for £4m

Everton will demand around £4million for James Beattie should Blackburn and Middlesbrough pursue their interest.

Blackburn have made an official inquiry for the striker and were hopeful of getting him for around £2.5m.

But Everton manager David Moyes does not want to let the 29-year-old go cheaply.

Middlesbrough, who are also interested in Spurs striker Mido, will look to Beattie if they lose out to Everton in the £6m race for Manchester United's Alan Smith.

They are also fearful of a substantial bid from Manchester City this week for Yakubu.

Blackburn wanted to do business for Beattie in the January transfer window but Everton were reluctant to sell.

Now they would listen to offers but the price tag may prove prohibitive for a player who last scored from open play in March 2006.

He also commands wages of £28,000 per week. Blackburn, who lost 2-1 to German side Arminia Bielefeld yesterday, could lose Jason Roberts to Fulham while Benni McCarthy continues to attract interest, with Newcastle and Chelsea willing to move for him should they sell any of their current strikers.